Long To Become 'Teacher of Preachers' at Candler School of Theology

Thomas G. Long, described by Baylor University and Newsweek magazine as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English speaking world, has been appointed to the Bandy Chair in Preaching at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Long comes to the post from Geneva Press, a publishing imprint of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, where he was director of the press and of congregational resources.

"Professor Long is not only one of the strongest preachers in the country, but also one of the most effective teachers of preaching. He is a popular lecturer, a prolific scholar, and a warm and caring human being," said Charles Foster, interim dean of Candler, in announcing the appointment.

An ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Long has taught preaching and worship for more than 20 years, at Erskine Theological Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary, from which he holds a Ph.D. Long also taught the "Georgia School of Preaching" event last year at Candler with Fred Craddock, emeritus holder of the Bandy chair, and Candler alumna Barbara Brown Taylor, both of whom were also on the Baylor and Newsweek lists.

Long, an Atlanta native, is author or editor of more than a dozen books, including "The Witness of Preaching" (1989), which has become a standard preaching text at seminaries in this country and abroad. He also is the author of "Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible" (1989), and commentaries on the book of Hebrews (1997) and Matthew (1997). Since 1991 he has served as senior homiletics editor of the "New Interpreter's Bible." Currently he is completing a book on trends in funeral rituals, including the role of funeral sermons.

His current research includes a study of the tensions in Christian congregations between traditional and contemporary worship styles, which focuses on congregations that have managed to create a "third way" in worship. He also is the convener for a three-year seminar, sponsored by the Lilly Endowment through its Valparaiso Project, on worship practices.

Long will begin his appointment in August.